Northern Westchester Chinese School (NWCS) is a not for profit school teaching Chinese Mandarin since 1969. It started with a group of passionate parents dedicated to teaching their children the language and culture of their heritage. Nearly a half century later, it is still run by a group of dedicated parents and teachers passionate about sharing the Chinese language, heritage, and culture to their children, as well as anyone interested. NWCS is a member of the Association of Chinese Schools (ACA).

NWCS Community: NWCS family of teachers and students is a diverse, welcoming community, with students from all backgrounds, with or without a Chinese Heritage. While Students are in classes, parents often gather in the cafeteria and share traditional Chinese breakfast treats served by the breakfast club. We hold Lunar New Year celebrations, and an annual picnic. We also host Chinese folk arts demonstrations and various culinary events that are both entertaining and tasty.

Five Reasons to Choose NWCS1. Our reputatiOn: NWCS has been providing high-

quality instruction in Mandarin since 1969. In a survey of our member families, the school’s reputation was their #1 reason for choosing NWCS.

2. Our teachers: NWCS teachers are passionate about teaching Chinese. As one family put it, “We have found the level of dedication of the teachers is exceptional.”

3. Our cOmmunity: NWCS is a warm and welcoming community of families from all over the world who share an interest in learning about the Chinese language and culture.

4. Our lOcatiOn: NWCS is conveniently located at the Briarcliff Middle School, and is easily accessible to families throughout Westchester County and surrounding areas. Parking is free and on the school grounds.

5. Our tuitiOn: As a not-for-profit organization, NWCS is able to keep its tuition and fees low, making quality instruction in Mandarin affordable.

A Tradition of Excellence In Teaching Chinese Language and Culture

Visit our school, email to set up a personal tour. Stop by our website for more information.

lOcatiOn: Briarcliff Middle School 444 Pleasantville Road Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

term: Saturdays, September – June 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon

GraDes: Pre-K through Level 12

Northern Westchester Chinese Schoolwww.nwcsny.org

Website: www.nwcsny.orgcOntact: info@nwcsny.org

Open House May 6! 10 am-12 pm

NWCS Curriculum

What we teach What it is Why we teach it Who learns it

standard mandarin The official language of China, Taiwan, and Singapore

The primary language spoken by over 1 billion people in China, Taiwan, Singapore and other countries

Adults and children at all levels

Zhuyin Fuhao (bo po mo Fo)

Phonetic symbols derived from Chinese characters; each corresponds to one of the basic sounds in Mandarin

Zhuyin is helpful for teaching young children who are just learning to read English, avoiding confusion between English phonetics and Pinyin, yielding more precise pronunciation when speaking both Chinese and English

Pre K, K, levels 1 and 2

pinyin A phonetic system developed in 1950’s, using the Roman alphabet (a,b,c…)

Pinyin is the most widely used method for indicating the pronunciation of Chinese characters

Level 2 - Level 8

traditional Written characters

The traditional written Chinese language used for millennia

Used in Taiwan, Hong Kong, andMacao. While traditional characters are more complex, once learned, it is easier to learn simplified. Traditional characters convey aesthetic continuity with China’s immense heritage of art,literature, and calligraphy

Pre K - Level 8

simplified Written characters

A simplification of the traditional characters, introduced in 1949

The official written language used in mainland China. Simplifiedcharacters are widely used inmodern publications, film and TV drama

Level 2 to Level 8

arts and culture Classes in Dance, Art, Calligraphy, Chess, and other cultural topics

The Chinese culture is not justabout language. It is a rich inhistory and tradition

Levels K to Level 8

Northern Westchester Chinese Schoolwww.nwcsny.org

Language classes for students from Pre-K–12th grade, as well as adults, meet on Saturdays from 9–11am, and cultural electives meet from 11am–12pm at Briarcliff Middle School during the regular school year, equaling 28 days total. The Heritage track places more emphasis on reading and writing, whereas the Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) track emphasizes practical conversation. Each track is divided into 8 levels, with enrollment dependent on ability, not traditional grade level. In both cases, the curriculum aims to teach the following:

Open House May 6! 10 am-12 pm